Former Selectboard member Jean Burks surveys the portion of the nearby Thomas Farm that could be developed. She and her husband, Dan, oppose the project.

Written by

Emotions are astir in Shelburne as a development plan has resurfaced from the O'Brien Brothers real estate and development company to build as many as 145 housing units on the old Thomas farm south of Irish Hill Road just east of Thomas Road.

Shelburne, which determined in its town plan years ago to retain its rural character, struggles against development pressures visible across Chittenden County.

The O'Brien company attempted to develop the land on the Thomas farm east of the village a couple of years ago and was turned down, said Selectboard Chairman Tim Pudvar. ...